Uganda’s National Safe Motherhood Conference - Day 1
This is the first day of three days of the 5th National Safe Motherhood Conference in Uganda. Under this year’s theme “Strengthening Multisectoral Collaboration and Mutual Accountability for Safe Motherhood” the conference brings together key stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, development partners, cultural and religious institutions, health professionals, and implementing partners such as the Babies and Mothers Alive Foundation.
The guest of honor, Her Royal Highness Sylvia Naggida, the Nabagereka of Buganda, commended the Ministry of health and implementing partners for the continued efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality.
Drawing from her 15 years of experience as a UN Goodwill Ambassador for Safe Motherhood, the Nabagereka emphasized that while health systems and skilled personnel are essential, culture and ethics remain the foundation of community health.
“Motherhood and childhood survival are not just medical matters, they are moral and cultural imperatives,” she said. “Our cultural values and ethics are powerful living forces that can transform communities when properly harnessed.”
She highlighted four key cultural pillars that can strengthen maternal and newborn health:
Cultural Values as Pillars of Health: Promoting community support, family unity, and the sanctity of life to encourage positive health-seeking behavior.
Respect and Ethics as Foundations of Trust: Building respectful, compassionate relationships between health providers and communities.
Mobilizing Cultural and Religious Leaders: Using their influence to promote safe births and integrate traditional practices into the formal health system.
Ethical Storytelling and Dialogue: Using storytelling and open community conversations to share knowledge, inspire change, and build accountability.
The Nabagereka also called for innovative approaches, including the use of digital health tools, local-language mobile platforms, and the empowerment of community health workers to improve access and responsiveness.
“On behalf of the Kingdom of Buganda, I pledge our continued partnership with the government, development partners, and communities. May our collective efforts lead us toward a future where no woman dies giving life, and no child is lost to preventable causes” she concluded.
The role of Babies and Mothers Alive
BAMA’s participation added practical depth to the conference, with Dr. Daniel Murokora, Co-founder of BAMA, and JB. Mpiirweh Ruka, Community Liaison Officer, presenting abstracts showcasing innovative and best practices for improving safe motherhood outcomes. Their presentations highlighted how technology, community partnerships, and localized interventions can bridge gaps in maternal and newborn health care, especially in underserved areas.
As an implementing partner, BAMA continues to advance this vision through practical, community-driven innovations such as its Mama Rescue project, an Cloud-based emergency transport system for mothers in labour, designed to ensure timely access to care for every woman in need and also equipping midwives with knowledge through mentorships and capacity building. BAMA Foundation remains a dedicated partner in turning policy into impact, ensuring that progress reaches every mother, everywhere, every time. Participants will discuss best practices and innovations to improve Safemotherhood outcomes over the next few days. The conference is attended by health workers, local government representatives, partners and technical officers.
Day 1 concluded with renewed commitment and optimism, a powerful reminder that safe motherhood is not the responsibility of the health sector alone, it demands multi-sectoral action, equity, and community-powered solutions.
